Natalie Sauer named Chair for Special Olympics Canada Summer Games Medicine Hat 2026

MEDICINE HAT – The organizing committee for the upcoming Special Olympics Canada Summer Games is pleased to announce the appointment of Natalie Sauer as Chair, as Brian Varga moves into a new role as Honourary Chair.

A respected leader and advocate for inclusive sport, Sauer is also the Games’ Director of Administration. She had already stepped into a larger leadership role in late 2025 after Varga won election to become a councillor with the City of Medicine Hat.

“It is an honour to serve as Chair of the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games,” said Sauer. “These Games are about celebrating athletes and building inclusive communities. I look forward to working with our partners, volunteers, and athletes to deliver a meaningful and memorable experience.”

The committee acknowledges Varga for his contributions to the 2026 Games. His involvement dating back a full decade helped foster the development of the initiative and its ongoing momentum.

“We appreciate Brian’s commitment to the Games and are pleased he will continue to be involved in this new capacity,” said Michael Anctil, Chair of the Medicine Hat Alberta Games Society, governing body over the games organizing committee.

As Honourary Chair, Varga will act as a supporter and ambassador for the event, helping to promote awareness and engagement.

“I’m pleased to continue supporting the Games and look forward to seeing the event come together under Natalie’s leadership,” said Varga. The Special Olympics Canada Summer Games will bring together athletes from across the country, highlighting talent, determination, and the power of sport to foster inclusion.

Learn more about the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games by following @socsummergames on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.